There are a few reasons why your wisdom teeth might be hurting you, but most of the time the answer is simple: wisdom teeth removal is needed. If your wisdom teeth are starting to cause pain, it’s time to have them looked at and figure out what needs to come next.
Most people have their wisdom teeth removed before the teeth start to cause any problems. Our mouths are crowded and more often than not there's simply no room for the wisdom teeth to grow in without becoming impacted or shifting other teeth. No matter the reason, wisdom teeth rarely cause pain unless there is something wrong.
Here are the most common causes of wisdom tooth pain:
- Growing Pains: If your wisdom teeth are hurting or sore, it could be them growing in. When they break through the gums, it can cause pain, slight swelling and soreness.
- Cavities: Due to lack of space, wisdom teeth often grow in very close to neighboring teeth. This tight space is hard to clean, making it a prime spot for cavities to form.
- Impacted Tooth: If a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it can cause swelling, pain when chewing or biting, pain in the jaw and difficulty opening your mouth.
- Cyst Development: When a wisdom tooth is impacted, a cyst can form at the impacted tooth’s follicle, causing pain (and damage) to the tooth and jawbone.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease is more likely to form on wisdom teeth because their location and lack of space make them harder to clean.
Here are some ways to relieve pain from wisdom teeth:
- Wisdom Teeth Removal: Having your wisdom teeth removed is the best way to fix any wisdom tooth-related issues and prevent any future problems. However, if your wisdom teeth are already causing you pain, you’ll need to ease the pain naturally until your appointment rolls around.
- Ice it Down: A cold compress or ice pack can help temporarily dull the ache in your jaw.
- OTC Anti-Infammatory: An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen or aspirin, will help control the pain — just make sure you don’t take more than the recommended daily dosage.
- Benzocaine: There are many different brands of mouth-numbing gels made of benzocaine. You can use any benzocaine agent to dull the pain in your gums, even Baby Orajel.
If you think you are experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth — or from any teeth at all — you should schedule an appointment to have them checked out as soon as possible. Wisdom teeth removal is the best way to cure and prevent any wisdom tooth-related oral health problems. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our website at www.texasoralsurgery.com.